Police said that a 2001 Honda Accord crossed the wrong side of the roadway on Bay Street shortly after midnight and slammed into a tree.

Responding officers and firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to remove the driver, Nicholas Costa, 24, of Taunton, and his five passengers.

Police said Jason Neto, 18, and Eden Macedo, 18, both of Taunton were taken to Morton Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Costa and three passengers, Ashley Rivera, 18, Jose Rodriguez, 21, and Chelsea Crancha, 18, were taken to Rhode Island Hospital's Trauma Unit to be treated.

Costa's condition has not been released. Rivera and Crancha were reported in fair condition and Rodriguez is listed in good condition.

According to a police report, Rivera and Crancha were not seated properly and were sitting on the laps of other passengers.

Authorities said speed played a role in the crash. Police are investigating if alcohol was also a factor.

“On the floor was a bottle of raspberry vodka -- quart bottle -- which was about two-thirds empty,” said Lt. Paul Roderick.

Costa, who was driving the car of Macedo's father, could be charged with vehicular homicide.

“A tragic accident right before the holidays,” Roderick said. “And people let loose a little bit, alcohol is involved, and in this case, nobody had their seat belts on. It just all adds up to a bad result.”

Images: Taunton crash kills 2, injures 4

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Kevin Wiles Jr.

Taunton crash

A one-car crash in Taunton claimed the lives of two people Sunday morning and injured four others.